LUKE Jones was the hero for Blackburn Rovers' Under 18s after his last-gasp winner sunk Manchester United at the weekend.

Jones capped a magnificent second half fight-back when he rose to head home Joel Byrom's corner in the dying seconds as Rovers claimed a stunning 2-1 victory at the expense of their North West rivals.

Rovers had fallen behind in the 14th minute when United scored from a free kick but Gary Bowyer's side showed tremendous spirit to get themselves back into the game in the second half.

They had to wait until the 80th minute for the equaliser, Ralph Welch unleashing an 'unstoppable' free kick from fully 25 yards which cannoned into the net off the underside of the bar with the United goalkeeper well beaten.

Then in the dying seconds, Rovers' unstinting determination paid off once again as skipper Jones rose majestically to head home Byrom's corner and claim the points.

Rovers have now won 10 out of 14 games in the league and Bowyer was delighted with his players' latest triumph.

"The lads have worked extremely hard since our last game and they got their just rewards here. It was a very pleasing result in the end," said Bowyer.

"We really started playing after the goal and I'm pleased with the way we took the game to them.

"In fact, we created a couple of chances and I felt we ought to have equalised by half-time."

The team that faced United was: Jones Zac, Barr, King (Woods 70), Stopforth (Griffiths 75), Jones Luke, Nolan, Welch, Hodge, Barker, Garner, Byrom. Subs not used: Walsh, De Vita, Kane.

In the meantime, Rovers' Academy players will switch their attention to next week's FA Youth Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers.

The third round tie between the two North West rivals will take place at Wanderers' Reebok Stadium on Wednesday, December 15.